Neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17(20)-Z-vinylcyano-substituted steroids, prodrugs thereof, and methods of treatment using same

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17(20)-Z-vinylcyano-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase Patent Application ofInternational Application Serial Number PCT/US13/63473, filed Oct. 4,2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety, and which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/710,844,filed Oct. 8, 2012, the entire contents of which are also incorporatedherein by reference.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under NIH Grant#GM047969, awarded by the National Institute of Health. The governmenthas certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed to novel compounds havingutility as an anesthetic and/or in the treatment of disorders relatingto GABA function and activity. More specifically, the present disclosureis directed to steroids having a19-alkoxy-17(20)-Z-vinylcyano-substituted tetracyclic structure that areneuroactive and suitable for use as an anesthetic, as well aspharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, andpharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitterof the central nervous system. GABA activates two types of receptors,the inotropic GABA_(A) and the metabotropic GABA_(B) receptor.Activation of the GABA_(B) receptor by GABA causes hyperpolarization anda resultant inhibition of neurotransmitter release. The GABA_(A)receptor subtype regulates neuronal excitability and rapid mood changes,such as anxiety, panic, and stress response. GABA_(A) receptors arechloride ion channels; as a result, activation of the receptor inducesincreased inward chloride ion flux, resulting in membranehyperpolarization and neuronal inhibition. Drugs that stimulate GABA_(A)receptors, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, have anticonvulsiveeffects (by reducing neuronal excitability and raising the seizurethreshold), as well as anxiolytic and anesthetic effects.

The effect of certain steroids on GABA_(A) receptors has beenwell-established. As a result, researchers continue to pursue thediscovery and synthesis of neuroactive steroids that may act asanesthetics and/or that may serve to provide treatment for disordersrelated to GABA function. For example, it is now widely accepted thatthe intravenous anesthetic alphaxalone (Compound A, below) causesgeneral anesthesia in humans because it allosterically increaseschloride currents mediated by GABA acting at GABA_(A) receptors in thebrain. However, the various structural features that enable thiscompound to function in the way it does have, to-date, not been fullyunderstood. For example, in contrast to alphaxalone, Δ¹⁶-alphaxalone(Compound B, below), has been observed to have greatly diminishedallosteric activity at GABA_(A) receptors and is not used as anintravenous general anesthetic in humans.

The difference in performance of these two compounds, which some haveattributed to the presence of the carbon-carbon double bond in theD-ring, has attracted the attention of many researchers. In fact,recently, it was determined that the effect this double bond has onanesthetic activity may depend on the group attached at C-17 on theD-ring. (See Bandyopadhyaya, A. K., et al., “Neurosteroid analogues. 15.A comparative study of the anesthetic and GABAergic actions ofalphaxalone, Δ¹⁶-alphaxalone and their corresponding 17-carbonitrileanalogues. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., 20: 6680-4 (2010).)

In addition to anesthetic properties, neuroactive steroids may be usedto treat disorders related to GABA function. For example, neuroactivesteroids, such as progesterone, may be used as sedative-hypnotics,exhibiting benzodiazepine-like actions, inducing reduced sleep latencyand increased non-REM sleep with only small changes in slow wave and REMsleep. Further, drugs that enhance GABA responses are often used totreat anxiety in humans. Thus, it might be expected thatGABA-potentiating steroids would exhibit anxiolytic effects. Neuroactivesteroids may also be used to treat depression, given that accumulatingevidence suggests that patients with major depression have decreasedlevels of GABAergic neurosteroids and that certain treatments fordepression alter levels of these steroids. Although GABA is nottypically thought to play a critical role in the biology of depression,there is evidence that low GABAergic activity may predispose one to mooddisorders. Finally, inhibition of NMDA receptors and enhancement ofGABA_(A) receptors appear to play important roles in mediating the acuteeffects of ethanol in the nervous system, while related studies suggestthat GABAergic neurosteroids may be involved in some of thepharmacological effects of ethanol and that neuroactive steroids may beuseful in treating ethanol withdrawal.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that there are a number ofpotentially advantageous uses for neurosteroids. As a result, there is acontinuing need for the further synthesis and understanding of newneuroactive steroids, particularly those having utility as an anestheticand/or in the treatment of a disorder relating to GABA function andactivity.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a compound having astructure of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

wherein:

R₁ is H;

R₂ is ═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) is selected from H, optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, with theproviso that when R₂ is ═O, R₈ is not present;

R₃ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substitutedC₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionallysubstituted aryl;

R₄ is independently selected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl;

R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, oroptionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl (and in particular isalkoxy-substituted methyl, or even more particular is —CH₂—OR_(b), whereR_(b) is C₁-C₄ alkyl, or even still more particularly is —CH₂—OCH₃);

R₆ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkoxy;

R₇ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or an optionallysubstituted morpholinyl ring;

R₈, when present, is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and,

- - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either aC═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆, with the proviso that when present, theC₅—H substituent is not present.

The present disclosure is further directed to a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of the noted compounds, or alternatively to prodrugsthereof. In one particular embodiment, the present disclosure isdirected to a compound having a structure of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

wherein:

R₁ is H;

R₂ is ═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) is selected from H, optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, with theproviso that when R₂ is ═O, R₈ is not present;

R_(x) is ═O or OR_(d), where R_(d) is H or C(O)R_(e), where R_(e) isoptionally substituted C₁-C₂₂ alkyl or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₂alkenyl, with the proviso that when R_(x) is OH, it is in the betaconfiguration;

R₄ is independently selected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl;

R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, oroptionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl (and in particular isalkoxy-substituted methyl, or even more particular is —CH₂—OR_(b), whereR_(b) is C₁-C₄ alkyl, or even still more particularly is —CH₂—OCH₃);

R₆ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkoxy;

R₇ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or an optionallysubstituted morpholinyl ring;

R₈, when present, is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and,

- - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either aC═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆, with the proviso that when present, theC₅—H substituent is not present.

The present disclosure is still further directed to a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of one or moreof the above-noted steroids, or prodrugs, or pharmaceutically acceptablesalts thereof, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Thepresent disclosure also provides kits comprising steroids, saltsthereof, pro-drugs thereof, and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof.

The present disclosure further provides methods of inducing anesthesiain a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to thesubject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of theabove-noted steroids, or prodrugs, or pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

The present disclosure further provides methods of treating disordersrelated to GABA function in a subject in need thereof, the methodcomprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effectiveamount of one or more of the above-noted steroids, or prodrugs, orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or a pharmaceuticalcomposition thereof. In certain embodiments, the disorder is selectedfrom the group consisting of insomnia, mood disorders, convulsivedisorders, anxiety, or symptoms of ethanol withdrawal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the displacement of bound [³⁵S]-TBPS fromGABA_(A) receptors by Compound 1.

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the potentiation of 2 μM GABA-mediatedchloride currents at rat α1β2γ2-type GABA_(A) receptors expressed infrog oocytes by different concentrations of Compound 1.

FIG. 3 is a graph containing a quantal dose-response curve for Loss ofRighting Reflex (LRR) and Loss of Swimming Reflex (LSR) caused byCompound 1 in tadpoles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present disclosure, it has been discovered thatcompounds having a 17(20)-Z-vinylcyano-substituted steroid structure,more specifically a 19-alkoxy-17(20)-Z-vinylcyano-substituted steroidstructure, and even more specifically a19-methoxy-17(20)-Z-vinylcyano-substituted steroid structure, areneuroactive and are also suitable for use as anesthetics and in thetreatment of disorders associated with GABA function, as well aspharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof. The compoundsmay be used, for example, as an effective continuous infusion sedativefor non-surgical procedures (e.g., colonoscopy). The compounds alsooffer advantages over anesthetics known in the art, such as a lowerlikelihood for bacterial contamination, as well as an improvedrelationship with solubilizing agents.

1. Steroid Structure

Generally speaking, the steroid of the present disclosure has atetracyclic, fused ring structure, such as a cyclopenta[a]phenanthrenering system (an embodiment of which is illustrated and discussed ingreater detail below), wherein the C₃-position of the A ring has ahydroxyl substituent in the α-position, and the C₁₇-position of the Dring has a vinyl-cyano (e.g., ═CH(CN)) group, preferably in theZ-configuration, attached thereto. Notably, and as further detailedherein below, it has surprisingly been discovered that the activity ofthe steroids of the present disclosure are at least in part a functionof the orientation or configuration of the carbon-carbon double bond ofwhich C₁₇ is a part. More specifically, and as further illustratedbelow, it has been discovered that when this carbon-carbon double bondis in the Z-configuration (or cis-configuration), and further when theCN group is on the C₁₃ side of the molecule, the activity of thecompound is notably higher, as compared to the alternative configuration(i.e., when the CN group is on the C₁₆ side of the molecule).

For example, comparison of the IC₅₀ values of the Compound 6a (the Zisomer) with Compound 6b (the E isomer) indicates that interchanging therelative positions of the C-20 substituents (H, CN) has a large effecton [³⁵S]-TBPS displacement potency. Compound 6a was about 17-fold morepotent at displacing [³⁵S]-TBPS than Compound 6b. A comparison of theIC₅₀ values for Compounds 6a, 6b and 5c shows the effect thathydrogenation of the Δ¹⁷⁽²⁰⁾ double bond present in Compound 6a and 6bhas on binding potency. The change in conformation of the D-ring and theloss of the steric restraint imposed by the Δ¹⁷⁽²⁰⁾ double bondincreased the IC₅₀ value of Compound 5c about eight-fold relative toCompound 6a, and decreased the IC₅₀ value about twofold relative toCompound 6b. This disparity in displacement potency between Z and Eisomers has also been observed in other 17-vinylcyano compounds studied,the Z isomer being about 10- to 20-fold more potent than the E isomer.

More particularly, however, the present disclosure is directed, incertain embodiments, to a steroid having the structure of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

wherein:

R₁ is H;

R₂ is ═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) is selected from H, optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, with theproviso that when R₂ is ═O, R₈ is not present;

R₃ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substitutedC₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionallysubstituted aryl;

R₄ is independently selected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl;

R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, oroptionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl (and in particular isalkoxy-substituted methyl, or even more particular is —CH₂—OR_(b), whereR_(b) is C₁-C₄ alkyl, or even still more particularly is —CH₂—OCH₃);

R₆ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkoxy;

R₇ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or an optionallysubstituted morpholinyl ring;

R₈, when present, is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and,

- - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either aC═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆, with the proviso that when present, theC₅—H substituent is not present.

As generally defined above, R₂ is ═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) isselected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionallysubstituted aryl, with the proviso that when R₂ is ═O, R₈ is notpresent. In certain embodiments, R₂ is ═O and R₈ is not present. Incertain embodiments, R₂ is H. In certain embodiments, R₂ is OR_(a). Incertain embodiments, R₂ is OR_(a) and R_(a) is optionally substitutedC₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄ alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl), optionally substitutedbenzyl, or C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄ alkyl substituted with O-aryl, such asO-benzyl. In certain embodiments, R₂ is OR_(a) and R_(a) is optionallysubstituted aryl. In certain embodiments, R₂ is OR_(a) and R_(a) is H.

As generally defined above, R₃ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl,optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl. In certain embodiments, R₃ isH. In certain embodiments, R₃ is optionally substituted C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl). In certainembodiments, R₃ is methyl. In certain embodiments, R₃ istrifluoromethyl. In certain embodiments, R₃ is optionally substitutedC₂, C₃ or C₄ alkenyl (e.g., optionally substituted allyl). In certainembodiments, R₃ is optionally substituted C₂, C₃, or C₄ alkynyl (e.g.,optionally substituted acetylene or optionally substituted propargyl).In certain embodiments, R₃ is optionally substituted aryl (e.g.,optionally substituted phenyl, such as phenyl substituted with OH,methyl, or COR_(c), where R_(c) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₂ alkylor optionally substituted C₂-C₂₂ alkenyl, including for exampleoptionally substituted C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁,C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C₂₁, or C₂₂ alkyl or C₂,C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈,C₁₉, C₂₀, C₂₁, or C₂₂ alkenyl).

As generally defined above, R₄ is H or unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. Incertain embodiments, R₄ is H. In certain embodiments, R₄ isunsubstituted C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,isopropyl, or n-butyl).

As generally defined above, R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionallysubstituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. Incertain embodiments, R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, and in particular isalkoxy-substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In other particular embodiments, R₅ issubstituted methyl, and more particularly is alkoxy-substituted methyl(or even more particularly is —CH₂—OR_(b), where R_(b) is C₁-C₄ alkyl,or even still more particularly is —CH₂—OCH₃). In other embodiments, R₅is optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl. In other embodiments, R₅ isoptionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, R₅ is inthe beta (up) position.

As generally defined above, R₆ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl,or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy. In certain embodiments, R₆ is H.In certain embodiments, R₆ is optionally substituted C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄alkyl (e.g., methyl). In certain embodiments, R₆ is optionallysubstituted C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, n-propyloxy,isopropyloxy, or n-butoxy). In certain embodiments, when R₆ is anon-hydrogen group, R₆ is in the alpha (down) position. In certainpreferred embodiments, however, when R₆ is a non-hydrogen group, R₆ isin the beta (up) position.

As generally defined above, R₇ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄alkoxy, or an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring. In certainembodiments, R₇ is H. In certain embodiments, R₇ is optionallysubstituted C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, n-propyloxy,isopropyloxy, or n-butoxy). In certain embodiments, R₇ is an optionallysubstituted morpholinyl ring. In certain embodiments, when R₇ is anon-hydrogen group, R₇ is in the alpha (down) position. In certainpreferred embodiments, however, when R₇ is a non-hydrogen group, R₇ isin the beta (up) position.

As generally defined above, R₈, when present, is H or optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R₈ is H. In certainembodiments, R₈ is C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ optionally substituted alkyl (e.g.,methyl). In certain embodiments, when R₈ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄alkyl, R₈ is in the alpha (down) position. In certain embodiments, whenR₈ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, R₈ is in the beta (up)position.

In certain embodiments, R₂ and R₈ are both H. In certain embodiments, R₂is OR_(a) and R₈ is H.

As generally defined above, - - - denotes an optional, additional C—Cbond, resulting in either a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆, with theproviso that when present, the C₅—H substituent is not present. Incertain embodiments, the additional C—C bond is absent, and the hydrogenat C₅ is in the alpha or beta position. In certain embodiments, theadditional C—C bond is absent, and the hydrogen at C₅ is in the alpha(down) position. In certain embodiments, the additional C—C bond isabsent, and the hydrogen at C₅ is in the beta (up) position. In certainembodiments, - - - denotes an additional C—C bond, resulting in a C═Cbond between C₄-C₅. In certain embodiments, - - - denotes an additionalC—C bond, resulting in a C═C bond between C₅-C₆.

It is to be noted that the present disclosure contemplates and isintended to encompass all of the various combinations and permutations(i.e., combinations of substituent options, locations and stereochemicalconfigurations) possible here.

For example, in various embodiments, compounds of the present disclosuremay be selected from among those encompassed by the structure of Formula(I), wherein R₂ is ═O; alternatively, R₂ may be H and R₈ is H (e.g., C₁₁thus having two hydrogen atoms bound thereto as substituents). Incertain embodiments, R₂ may be OR_(a), wherein R_(a) is methyl,optionally substituted benzyl, or C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with O-aryl,such as O-benzyl. In certain embodiments, R₃ may be H, methyl,trifluoromethyl, or substituted aryl (e.g., substituted phenyl, which inturn may be optionally substituted such as, for example, with OH,methyl, or COR_(c), where R_(c)═C₁-C₄ alkyl); further, when R₃ issomething other than H, R₃ is preferably in the β-position. In certainembodiments, each of R₄ and R₆ are independently selected from H andmethyl, R₅ being in the β-configuration and R₆ optionally being in theα-configuration or β-configuration (e.g., when R₆ is methyl), which theβ-configuration being preferred. In certain embodiments, R₇ is selectedfrom H, methoxy, ethoxy, and an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring;further, when R₇ is something other than H, R₇ is preferably in theβ-position. In certain embodiments, R₈, when present, is selected from Hor optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R₈ ismethyl (e.g., methyl in the alpha-configuration).

In certain embodiments, the C₅—H is in the alpha configuration and theR₅ is, for example, a substituted methyl group (e.g., alkoxy-substitutedmethyl, or in particular a methoxy-substituted methyl) in the betaconfiguration. In certain embodiments, the C5-H is in the betaconfiguration and R₅ is, for example, a substituted methyl (e.g., amethoxy-substituted methyl) group in the beta configuration. In certainembodiments, R₆ is H. In certain embodiments, R₄ is methyl. In certainembodiments, R₂ is ═O or methoxy.

Accordingly, as noted, the steroid of Formula (I) may encompass a numberof various structures in accordance with the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, wherein R₁ is H, R₃ is in the beta position, R₄is methyl, R₅ is substituted methyl in the beta position, and R₆ is H,provided is a compound of Formula (I-a):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R₂, R₃,R₇ and R₈ are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - -is absent and C₅—H is in the alpha position. In certain embodiments,each instance of - - - is absent and C₅—H is in the beta position.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein R₂ is ═O and R₈ isabsent, provided is a compound of Formula (I-b):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R₃ and R₇are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - -is absent and C₅—H is in the alpha position. In certain embodiments,each instance of - - - is absent and C₅—H is in the beta position.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein R₂ and R₈ are H, providedis a compound of Formula (I-c):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R₂, R₃,and R₇ are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - -is absent and C₅—H is in the alpha position. In certain embodiments,each instance of - - - is absent and C₅—H is in the beta position.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein R₂ is OR_(a) and R₈ is H,provided is a compound of Formula (I-d):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R₃, R₇,and R_(a) are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - -is absent and C₅—H is in the alpha position. In certain embodiments,each instance of - - - is absent and C₅—H is in the beta position.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein R₇ is H, provided is acompound of Formula (I-e):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R₂, R₃,and R₈ are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - -is absent and C₅—H is in the alpha position. In certain embodiments,each instance of - - - is absent and C₅—H is in the beta position.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein each instance of - - - isabsent and C₅—H is in the alpha position, provided is a compound ofFormula (I-f):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₂, R₃, R₇ and R₈are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein R₇ is H, provided is acompound of Formula (I-g):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₂, R₃, and R₈are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein R₂ is ═O, provided is acompound of Formula (I-h):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃ and R₂ are asdefined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkyl.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein R₂ is OR_(a), provided isa compound of Formula (I-i):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(a), R₃, and R₇are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein - - - represents anadditional C—C bond, resulting in a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ provided is acompound of Formula (I-j):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃, R₂, R₇ and R₈are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), wherein - - - represents anadditional C—C bond, resulting in a C═C bond between C₅-C₆ provided is acompound of Formula (I-k):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₃, R₂, R₇ and R₈are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl.

Exemplary compounds of Formula (I) include, but are not limited to, thefollowing:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments, the steroid of Formula (I) is selected from thegroup consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments, the steroid of Formula (I) is selected from thegroup consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments, the steroid of Formula (I) is selected from thegroup consisting of:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments, the steroid of Formula (I) is selected from thegroup consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In certain embodiments, the steroid of Formula (I) is selected from thegroup consisting of:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R_(b) is asdefined herein.

In this regard it is to be noted that the structures provided above areof various exemplary embodiments. As such, they should not be viewed ina limiting sense.

2. Prodrug Structure

In another particular embodiment, the present disclosure is in generaldirected to prodrugs of the various steroids detailed above. Generallyspeaking, as used herein, a “prodrug” refers to an inactive, orsignificantly less active, form of the steroids detailed above (and inparticular the steroids of Formula (I)), which after administration ismetabolized in vivo into one or more active metabolites of the steroidof Formula (I). The prodrug may be formed using means generally known inthe art, and therefore may take essentially any form that would berecognized to one of ordinary skill in the art. The prodrugs of thepresent disclosure may advantageously provide improved absorption,distribution, metabolism and/or excretion optimization, as well asimproved oral bioavailability of the steroids detailed above (and inparticular the steroids of Formula (I)).

In another particular embodiment of the present disclosure the prodrugof a steroid disclosed herein has a structure of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;

wherein:

R₁ is H;

R₂ is ═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) is selected from H, optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, with theproviso that when R₂ is ═O, R₈ is not present;

R_(x) is ═O or OR_(d), where R_(d) is H or C(O)R_(e), where R_(e) isoptionally substituted C₁-C₂₂ alkyl or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₂alkenyl, with the proviso that when R_(x) is OH, it is in the betaconfiguration (and when R_(x) is R_(d), with R_(d) being C(O)R_(e), thenit is preferably in the beta configuration);

R₄ is independently selected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl;

R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, oroptionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl (and in particular isalkoxy-substituted methyl, or even more particular is —CH₂—OR_(b), whereR_(b) is C₁-C₄ alkyl, or even still more particularly is —CH₂—OCH₃);

R₆ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkoxy;

R₇ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or an optionallysubstituted morpholinyl ring;

R₈, when present, is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and,

- - - denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either aC═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆, with the proviso that when present, theC₅—H substituent is not present.

In this regard, it is to be noted that the present disclosurecontemplates and is intended to encompass all of the variouscombinations and permutations (i.e., combinations of substituentoptions, locations and stereochemical configurations) possible here.

As generally defined above, R_(x) is ═O or OR_(d), where R_(d) is H orC(O)R_(e), where R_(e) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₂ alkyl oroptionally substituted C₂-C₂₂ alkenyl (including for example optionallysubstituted C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄,C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C₂₁, or C₂₂ alkyl or C₂, C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆,C₇, C₈, C₉, C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, C₁₃, C₁₄, C₁₅, C₁₆, C₁₇, C₁₈, C₁₉, C₂₀, C₂₁,or C₂₂ alkenyl), with the proviso that when R_(x) is OH, it is in thebeta (up) configuration. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is ═O. In certainembodiments, R_(x) is OH in the beta (up) configuration. In certainembodiments, R_(x) is OR_(d), R_(d) is C(O)R_(e), and R_(e) isoptionally substituted C₁-C₂₂ alkyl or optionally substituted C₂-C₂₂alkenyl, e.g., C(O)CH₃, and in such instances, the group Rx is providedin either the alpha or beta configuration (with the beta configurationbeing preferred 0. In certain embodiments, wherein R_(x) is OR_(d), andR_(d) is H, then R_(x) is OH in the beta (up) configuration.

As generally defined above, R₂ is ═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) isselected from H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionallysubstituted aryl, with the proviso that when R₂ is ═O, R₈ is notpresent. In certain embodiments, R₂ is ═O and R₈ is not present. Incertain embodiments, R₂ is H. In certain embodiments, R₂ is OR_(a). Incertain embodiments, R₂ is OR_(a) and R_(a) is optionally substitutedC₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl), optionally substitutedbenzyl, or C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ alkyl substituted with O-aryl, such asO-benzyl. In certain embodiments, R₂ is OR_(a) and R_(a) is optionallysubstituted aryl. In certain embodiments, R₂ is OR_(a) and R_(a) is H.

As generally defined above, R₄ is H or unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. Incertain embodiments, R₄ is H. In certain embodiments, R₄ isunsubstituted C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ alkyl (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,isopropyl, or n-butyl).

As generally defined above, R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionallysubstituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. Incertain embodiments, R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, and in particular isalkoxy-substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In other particular embodiments, R₅ issubstituted methyl, and more particularly is alkoxy-substituted methyl(or even more particularly is —CH₂—OR_(b), where R_(b) is C₁-C₄ alkyl,or even still more particularly is —CH₂—OCH₃). In other embodiments, R₅is optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl. In other embodiments, R₅ isoptionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl. In certain embodiments, R₅ is inthe beta (up) position.

As generally defined above, R₆ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl,or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy. In certain embodiments, R₆ is H.In certain embodiments, R₆ is optionally substituted C₁, C₂, C₃, or C₄alkyl (e.g., methyl). In certain embodiments, R₆ is optionallysubstituted C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, n-propyloxy,isopropyloxy, or n-butoxy). In certain embodiments, when R₆ is anon-hydrogen group, R₆ is in the alpha (down) position. In certainpreferred embodiments, however, when R₆ is a non-hydrogen group, R₆ isin the beta (up) position.

As generally defined above, R₇ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄alkoxy, or an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring. In certainembodiments, R₇ is H. In certain embodiments, R₇ is optionallysubstituted C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ alkoxy (e.g., methoxy, ethoxy, n-propyloxy,isopropyloxy, or n-butoxy). In certain embodiments, R₇ is an optionallysubstituted morpholinyl ring. In certain embodiments, when R₇ is anon-hydrogen group, R₇ is in the alpha (down) position. In certainpreferred embodiments, however, when R₇ is a non-hydrogen group, R₇ isin the beta (up) position.

As generally defined above, R₈, when present, is H or optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R₈ is H. In certainembodiments, R₈ is C₁, C₂, C₃ or C₄ optionally substituted alkyl (e.g.,methyl). In certain embodiments, when R₈ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄alkyl, R₈ is in the alpha (down) position. In certain embodiments whenR₈ is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, R₈ is in the beta (up)position.

In certain embodiments, R₂ and R₈ are both H. In certain embodiments, R₂is OR_(a) and R₈ is H.

As generally defined above, - - - denotes an optional, additional C—Cbond, resulting in either a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆, with theproviso that when present, the C₅—H substituent is not present. Incertain embodiments, the additional C—C bond is absent, and the hydrogenat C₅ is in the alpha or beta position. In certain embodiments, theadditional C—C bond is absent, and the hydrogen at C₅ is in the alpha(down) position. In certain embodiments, the additional C—C bond isabsent, and the hydrogen at C₅ is in the beta (up) position. In certainembodiments, - - - denotes an additional C—C bond, resulting in a C═Cbond between C₄-C₅. In certain embodiments, - - - denotes an additionalC—C bond, resulting in a C═C bond between C₅-C₆.

In certain embodiments, prodrugs of the present disclosure may beselected from among those encompassed by the structure of Formula (II),wherein R₂ is ═O. In certain embodiments, R₂ is H and R₈ is H, e.g., C₁₁thus having two hydrogen atoms bound thereto as substituents. In certainembodiments, R₂ may be OR_(a), wherein R_(a) is methyl, optionallysubstituted benzyl, or C₁-C₄ alkyl substituted with O-aryl, such asO-benzyl. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is ═O. In certain embodiments,R_(x) is β-hydroxy. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OR_(d), where R_(d)is H or C(O)R_(c), where R_(e) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl(e.g., methyl). In certain embodiments, each of R₄ and R₆ areindependently selected from H and methyl. In certain embodiments, R₅ isin the beta-configuration. In certain embodiments, R₆ is optionallysubstituted alkyl, e.g., methyl, optionally in the alpha-configurationwhen the carbon-carbon double bond between C₅-C₆ is absent. In certainembodiments, R₆ is optionally substituted alkyl, e.g., methyl,optionally in the beta-configuration when the carbon-carbon double bondbetween C₅-C₆ is absent. In certain embodiments, R₇ is selected from H,methoxy, ethoxy, and an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring. Incertain embodiments, R₇ is a non-hydrogen group, R₇ is in theβ-position. In certain embodiments, a carbon-carbon double bond (orunsaturated bond) may be present between the C₄-C₅, or C₅-C₆, carbonatoms. In certain embodiments, R₈, when present, is selected from H oroptionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, preferably methyl and morepreferably alpha-methyl.

In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH and in the beta position. In certainembodiments, a carbon-carbon double bond is present between the C₄-C₅carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, a carbon-carbon double bond ispresent between the C₅-C₆ carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, R₂ is═O. In certain embodiments, R₂ is methoxy. In certain embodiments, R₇ isH. In certain embodiments, R₇ is β-methoxy. In certain embodiments, R₇is β-ethoxy.

In certain embodiments, wherein R₄ is methyl, R₅ is substituted methylin the beta position, and R₆ is H, provided is a compound of Formula(II-a):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R_(x),R₂, R₇ (preferably in the beta configuration) and R₈ (preferably in thebeta configuration) are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) isoptionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is ═O.In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in the beta (up) configuration. Incertain embodiments, each instance of - - - is absent and C₅—H is in thealpha position. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - - is absentand C₅—H is in the beta position. In certain embodiments, - - -represents an additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bondbetween C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein R₂ is ═O and R₈ isabsent, provided is a compound of Formula (II-b):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R_(x),and R₇ (preferably in the beta configuration) are as defined herein, andfurther wherein R_(b) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certainembodiments, R_(x) is ═O. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in thebeta (up) configuration. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - -is absent C₅—H is in the alpha position. In certain embodiments, eachinstance of - - - is absent C₅—H is in the beta position. In certainembodiments, - - - represents an additional C—C bond, resulting ineither a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein R₂ is H and R₈ is H,provided is a compound of Formula (II-c):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R_(x),and R₇ (preferably in the beta configuration) are as defined herein, andfurther wherein R_(b) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certainembodiments, R_(x) is ═O. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in thebeta (up) configuration. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - -is absent C₅—H is in the alpha position. In certain embodiments, eachinstance of - - - is absent C₅—H is in the beta position. In certainembodiments, - - - represents an additional C—C bond, resulting ineither a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein R₂ is OR_(a) and R₈ isH, provided is a compound of Formula (II-d):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R₃, R₇(preferably in the beta configuration), and R_(a) are as defined herein,and further wherein R_(b) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. Incertain embodiments, each instance of - - - is absent C₅—H is in thealpha position. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - - is absentC₅—H is in the beta position. In certain embodiments, - - - representsan additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ orC₅-C₆.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein R₇ is H, provided is acompound of Formula (II-e):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein - - - , R_(x), R₂and R₈ (preferably in the beta configuration) are as defined herein, andfurther wherein R_(b) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certainembodiments, R_(x) is ═O. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in thebeta (up) configuration. In certain embodiments, each instance of - - -is absent C₅—H is in the alpha position. In certain embodiments, eachinstance of - - - is absent C₅—H is in the beta position. In certainembodiments, - - - represents an additional C—C bond, resulting ineither a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein each instance of - - -is absent C₅—H is in the alpha position, provided is a compound ofFormula (II-f):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(x), R₂, R₇(preferably in the beta configuration) and R₈ (preferably in the betaconfiguration) are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) isoptionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is ═O.In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in the beta (up) configuration.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein R₇ is H, provided is acompound of Formula (II-g):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(x), R₂ and R₈(preferably in the beta configuration) are as defined herein, andfurther wherein R_(b) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certainembodiments, R_(x) is ═O. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in thebeta (up) configuration.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein R₂ is ═O, provided is acompound of Formula (II-h):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(x) and R₇(preferably in the beta configuration) are as defined herein, andfurther wherein R_(b) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certainembodiments, R_(x) is ═O. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in thebeta (up) configuration.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein R₂ is OR_(a), providedis a compound of Formula (II-i):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(x), R_(a), andR₇ (preferably in the beta configuration) are as defined herein, andfurther wherein R_(b) is optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certainembodiments, R_(x) is ═O. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in thebeta (up) configuration.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein - - - represents anadditional C—C bond, resulting in a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ provided is acompound of Formula (II-j):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(x), R₂, R₇(preferably in the beta configuration) and R₈ (preferably in the betaconfiguration) are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) isoptionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is ═O.In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in the beta (up) configuration.

In certain embodiments of Formula (II), wherein - - - represents anadditional C—C bond, resulting in a C═C bond between C₅-C₆ provided is acompound of Formula (II-k):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R_(x), R₂, R₇(preferably in the beta configuration) and R₈ (preferably in the betaconfiguration) are as defined herein, and further wherein R_(b) isoptionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl. In certain embodiments, R_(x) is ═O.In certain embodiments, R_(x) is OH in the beta (up) configuration.

Exemplary compounds of Formula (II) include, but are not limited to:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In this regard it is to be noted that the structures provided above areof various exemplary embodiments. As such, they should not be viewed ina limiting sense.

3. Methods of Preparation and Pharmaceutical Compositions

It is to be noted that the compounds or steroids of the presentdisclosure, or the prodrugs thereof, may in various embodiments beprepared or used in accordance with means generally known in the art.For example, in certain embodiments, the steroids or prodrugs of thepresent disclosure may be prepared or used in a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt form, for example, where R₇ is an optionally substitutedmorpholinyl ring. Suitable salt forms include, for example, citrate orchloride salt forms.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a pharmaceuticalcomposition is disclosed that may comprise a steroid, a prodrug, or acombination of two or more thereof in accordance with the formulas ofthe present disclosure. The compounds or steroids of the presentdisclosure (or the prodrugs thereof), as well as the various salt formsand other pharmaceutically acceptable forms, e.g., solvates and/orhydrates of compounds described herein, and pharmaceutical compositionscontaining them, may in general be prepared using methods and techniquesknown in the art, and/or as described in the Examples provided herein.

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, the compounds orsteroids of the present disclosure are useful for potentiating GABA atGABA_(A) receptors thereby inducing anesthesia or treating disordersrelated to GABA function (e.g., insomnia, mood disorders, convulsivedisorders, anxiety disorders, or symptoms of ethanol withdrawal) in asubject, e.g., a human subject, and are preferably administered in theform of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of acompound of the instant disclosure and optionally a pharmaceutically orpharmacologically acceptable carrier.

In one aspect, provided is a method of inducing anesthesia in a subjectin need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of one or more of the above-notedsteroids, or prodrugs, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, ora pharmaceutical composition thereof.

In another aspect, provided is a method of treating disorders related toGABA function in a subject in need thereof, the method comprisingadministering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of oneor more of the above-noted steroids, or prodrugs, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition thereof. Incertain embodiments, the disorder is selected from the group consistingof insomnia, mood disorders, convulsive disorders, anxiety, or symptomsof ethanol withdrawal.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a therapeutically effectiveamount of compound is from about 5 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg, about 5mg/kg to about 18 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 16 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kgto about 14 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg to about 12 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg toabout 10 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, about 6 mg/kg to about9 mg/kg, about 7 mg/kg to about 9 mg/kg, or about 8 mg/kg to about 16mg/kg. In certain embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of thecompound is about 8 mg/kg. It will be appreciated that dose ranges asdescribed herein provide guidance for the administration of providedpharmaceutical compositions to an adult. The amount to be administeredto, for example, a child or an adolescent can be determined by a medicalpractitioner or person skilled in the art and can be lower or the sameas that administered to an adult.

The exact amount of a compound required to achieve an effective amountwill vary from subject to subject, depending, for example, on species,age, and general condition of a subject, identity of the particularcompound(s), mode of administration, and the like. The desired dosagecan be delivered three times a day, two times a day, once a day, everyother day, every third day, every week, every two weeks, every threeweeks, or every four weeks. In certain embodiments, the desired dosagecan be delivered using multiple administrations (e.g., two, three, four,five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen,or more administrations).

It will be also appreciated that a compound or composition, as describedherein, can be administered in combination with one or more additionaltherapeutically active agents. The compounds or compositions can beadministered in combination with additional therapeutically activeagents that improve their bioavailability, reduce and/or modify theirmetabolism, inhibit their excretion, and/or modify their distributionwithin the body.

The compound or composition can be administered concurrently with, priorto, or subsequent to, one or more additional therapeutically activeagents. In general, each agent will be administered at a dose and/or ona time schedule determined for that agent. It will further beappreciated that the additional therapeutically active agent utilized inthis combination can be administered together in a single composition oradministered separately in different compositions. The particularcombination to employ in a regimen will take into account compatibilityof the inventive compound with the additional therapeutically activeagent and/or the desired therapeutic effect to be achieved. In general,it is expected that additional therapeutically active agents utilized incombination be utilized at levels that do not exceed the levels at whichthey are utilized individually. In some embodiments, the levels utilizedin combination will be lower than those utilized individually. Exemplarytherapeutically active agents include small organic molecules such asdrug compounds (e.g., compounds approved by the US Food and DrugAdministration as provided in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)),peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, monosaccharides, oligosaccharides,polysaccharides, nucleoproteins, mucoproteins, lipoproteins, syntheticpolypeptides or proteins, small molecules linked to proteins,glycoproteins, steroids, nucleic acids, DNAs, RNAs, nucleotides,nucleosides, oligonucleotides, antisense oligonucleotides, lipids,hormones, vitamins and cells.

The pharmaceutical composition may also be in combination with at leastone pharmacologically acceptable carrier. The carrier, also known in theart as an excipient, vehicle, auxiliary, adjuvant, or diluent, is anysubstance that is pharmaceutically inert, confers a suitable consistencyor form to the composition, and does not diminish the therapeuticefficacy of the compounds. The carrier is “pharmaceutically orpharmacologically acceptable” if it does not produce an adverse,allergic, or other untoward reaction when administered to a mammal orhuman, as appropriate.

The pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds or steroids ofthe present disclosure may be formulated in any conventional manner.Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.The compositions of the disclosure can be formulated for any route ofadministration, so long as the target tissue is available via thatroute. Suitable routes of administration include, but are not limitedto, oral, parenteral (e.g., intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous,rectal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraorbital, intracapsular,intraspinal, intraperitoneal, or intrasternal), topical (nasal,transdermal, intraocular), intravesical, intrathecal, enteral,pulmonary, intralymphatic, intracavital, vaginal, transurethral,intradermal, aural, intramammary, buccal, orthotopic, intratracheal,intralesional, percutaneous, endoscopical, transmucosal, sublingual, andintestinal administration. In certain embodiments, the route ofadministration is oral. In certain embodiments, the route ofadministration is parenteral. In certain embodiments, the route ofadministration is intravenous.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for use in the compositions of thepresent disclosure are well known to those of ordinary skill in the artand are selected based upon a number of factors, including for example:the particular compound used, and its concentration, stability andintended bioavailability; the disease, disorder or condition beingtreated with the composition; the subject, its age, size and generalcondition; and/or the route of administration. Suitable carriers may bereadily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. (See, forexample, J. G. Nairn, in: Remington's Pharmaceutical Science (A.Gennaro, ed.), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., (1985), pp. 1492-1517.)

The compositions may be formulated as tablets, dispersible powders,pills, capsules, gelcaps, caplets, gels, liposomes, granules, solutions,suspensions, emulsions, syrups, elixirs, troches, dragees, lozenges, orany other dosage form that can be administered orally. Techniques andcompositions for making oral dosage forms useful in the presentdisclosure are described in the following exemplary references: 7 ModernPharmaceutics, Chapters 9 and 10 (Banker & Rhodes, Editors, 1979);Lieberman et al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets (1981); and,Ansel, Introduction to Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms 2nd Edition (1976).

The compositions of the present disclosure designed for oraladministration comprise an effective amount of a compound of thedisclosure in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Suitable carriersfor solid dosage forms include sugars, starches, and other conventionalsubstances including lactose, talc, sucrose, gelatin,carboxymethylcellulose, agar, mannitol, sorbitol, calcium phosphate,calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, kaolin, alginic acid, acacia, cornstarch, potato starch, sodium saccharin, magnesium carbonate,tragacanth, microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide,croscarmellose sodium, talc, magnesium stearate, and stearic acid.Further, such solid dosage forms may be uncoated or may be coated byknown techniques (e.g., to delay disintegration and absorption).

The compounds, steroids, and prodrugs of the present disclosure may alsobe formulated for parenteral administration (e.g., formulated forinjection via intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, rectal,subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraorbital, intracapsular, intraspinal,intraperitoneal, or intrasternal routes). The compositions of thepresent disclosure for parenteral administration comprise an effectiveamount of the compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Dosageforms suitable for parenteral administration include solutions,suspensions, dispersions, emulsions or any other dosage form that can beadministered parenterally. Techniques and compositions for makingparenteral dosage forms are known in the art. Typically formulations forparenteral administration are sterile or are sterilized beforeadministration.

Suitable carriers used in formulating liquid dosage forms for oral orparenteral administration include nonaqueous,pharmaceutically-acceptable polar solvents such as oils, alcohols,amides, esters, ethers, ketones, hydrocarbons and mixtures thereof, aswell as water, saline solutions, dextrose solutions (e.g., DW5),electrolyte solutions, or any other aqueous, pharmaceutically acceptableliquid.

Suitable nonaqueous, pharmaceutically-acceptable polar solvents include,but are not limited to, alcohols (e.g., α-glycerol formal, β-glycerolformal, 1,3-butyleneglycol, aliphatic or aromatic alcohols having 2-30carbon atoms such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol,t-butanol, hexanol, octanol, amylene hydrate, benzyl alcohol, glycerin(glycerol), glycol, hexylene glycol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, laurylalcohol, cetyl alcohol, or stearyl alcohol, fatty acid esters of fattyalcohols such as polyalkylene glycols (e.g., polypropylene glycol,polyethylene glycol), sorbitan, sucrose and cholesterol); amides (e.g.,dimethylacetamide (DMA), benzyl benzoate DMA, dimethylformamide,N-(β-hydroxyethyl)-lactamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, 2-pyrrolidinone,1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, or polyvinylpyrrolidone); esters (e.g.,1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, 2-pyrrolidinone, acetate esters such asmonoacetin, diacetin, and triacetin, aliphatic or aromatic esters suchas ethyl caprylate or octanoate, alkyl oleate, benzyl benzoate, benzylacetate, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), esters of glycerin such as mono, di,or tri-glyceryl citrates or tartrates, ethyl benzoate, ethyl acetate,ethyl carbonate, ethyl lactate, ethyl oleate, fatty acid esters ofsorbitan, fatty acid derived PEG esters, glyceryl monostearate,glyceride esters such as mono, di, or tri-glycerides, fatty acid esterssuch as isopropyl myristrate, fatty acid derived PEG esters such asPEG-hydroxyoleate and PEG-hydroxystearate, N-methyl pyrrolidinone,pluronic 60, polyoxyethylene sorbitol oleic polyesters such aspoly(ethoxylated)₃₀₋₆₀ sorbitol poly(oleate)₂₋₄, poly(oxyethylene)₁₅₋₂₀monooleate, poly(oxyethylene)₁₅₋₂₀ mono 12-hydroxystearate, andpoly(oxyethylene)₁₅₋₂₀ mono-ricinoleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters(such as polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitanmonopalmitate, polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monolaurate,polyoxyethylene-sorbitan monostearate, and Polysorbate® 20, 40, 60 or 80from ICI Americas, Wilmington, Del.), polyvinylpyrrolidone, alkyleneoxymodified fatty acid esters (such as polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil,cyclodextrins or modified cyclodextrins (e.g.,beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin)), saccharide fatty acid esters (i.e.,the condensation product of a monosaccharide (e.g., pentoses, such asribose, ribulose, arabinose, xylose, lyxose and xylulose, hexoses suchas glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose and sorbose, trioses, tetroses,heptoses, and octoses), disaccharide (e.g., sucrose, maltose, lactoseand trehalose) or oligosaccharide or mixture thereof with a C₄-C₂₂ fattyacid(s)(e.g., saturated fatty acids such as caprylic acid, capric acid,lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, andunsaturated fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, elaidicacid, erucic acid and linoleic acid)), or steroidal esters); alkyl,aryl, or cyclic ethers having 2-30 carbon atoms (e.g., diethyl ether,tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl isosorbide, diethylene glycol monoethylether); glycofurol (tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol polyethylene glycolether); ketones having 3-30 carbon atoms (e.g., acetone, methyl ethylketone, methyl isobutyl ketone); aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatichydrocarbons having 4-30 carbon atoms (e.g., benzene, cyclohexane,dichloromethane, dioxolanes, hexane, n-decane, n-dodecane, n-hexane,sulfolane, tetramethylenesulfone, tetramethylenesulfoxide, toluene,dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), or tetramethylenesulfoxide); oils of mineral,vegetable, animal, essential or synthetic origin (e.g., mineral oilssuch as aliphatic or wax-based hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons,mixed aliphatic and aromatic based hydrocarbons, and refined paraffinoil, vegetable oils such as linseed, tung, safflower, soybean, castor,cottonseed, groundnut, rapeseed, coconut, palm, olive, corn, corn germ,sesame, persic and peanut oil and glycerides such as mono-, di- ortriglycerides, animal oils such as fish, marine, sperm, cod-liver,haliver, squalene, squalane, and shark liver oil, oleic oils, andpolyoxyethylated castor oil); alkyl or aryl halides having 1-30 carbonatoms and optionally more than one halogen substituent; methylenechloride; monoethanolamine; petroleum benzine; trolamine; omega-3polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g., alpha-linolenic acid,eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, or docosahexaenoic acid);polyglycol ester of 12-hydroxystearic acid and polyethylene glycol(Solutol® HS-15, from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany); polyoxyethyleneglycerol; sodium laurate; sodium oleate; or sorbitan monooleate.

Other pharmaceutically acceptable solvents for use in the disclosure arewell known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are identified inThe Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, (American PharmaceuticalAssociation, Washington, D.C., and The Pharmaceutical Society of GreatBritain, London, England, 1968), Modern Pharmaceutics, (G. Banker etal., eds., 3d ed.) (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1995), ThePharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, (Goodman & Gilman, McGraw HillPublishing), Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms, (H. Lieberman et al., eds.,)(Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1980), Remington's PharmaceuticalSciences (A. Gennaro, ed., 19th ed.)(Mack Publishing, Easton, Pa.,1995), The United States Pharmacopeia 24, The National Formulary 19,(National Publishing, Philadelphia, Pa., 2000), A. J. Spiegel et al.,and Use of Nonaqueous Solvents in Parenteral Products, J. of Pharm.Sciences, Vol. 52, No. 10, pp. 917-927 (1963).

Preferred solvents include cyclodextrins or modified cyclodextrins(e.g., beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin) as well as oils rich intriglycerides, for example, safflower oil, soybean oil or mixturesthereof, and alkyleneoxy modified fatty acid esters such as polyoxyl 40hydrogenated castor oil. Commercially available triglycerides includeIntralipid® emulsified soybean oil (Kabi-Pharmacia Inc., Stockholm,Sweden), Nutralipid® emulsion (McGaw, Irvine, Calif.), Liposyn® II 20%emulsion (a 20% fat emulsion solution containing 100 mg safflower oil,100 mg soybean oil, 12 mg egg phosphatides, and 25 mg glycerin per ml ofsolution; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Ill.), Liposyn® III 2% emulsion(a 2% fat emulsion solution containing 100 mg safflower oil, 100 mgsoybean oil, 12 mg egg phosphatides, and 25 mg glycerin per ml ofsolution; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Ill.), natural or syntheticglycerol derivatives containing the docosahexaenoyl group at levelsbetween 25% and 100% by weight based on the total fatty acid content(Dhasco® (from Martek Biosciences Corp., Columbia, Md.), DHA Maguro®(from Daito Enterprises, Los Angeles, Calif.), Soyacal®, andTravemulsion®.

Additional minor components can be included in the compositions of thedisclosure for a variety of purposes well known in the pharmaceuticalindustry. These components will for the most part impart propertieswhich enhance retention of the compound at the site of administration,protect the stability of the composition, control the pH, facilitateprocessing of the compound into pharmaceutical formulations, and thelike. Preferably, each of these components is individually present inless than about 15 wt % of the total composition, more preferably lessthan about 5 wt %, and most preferably less than about 0.5 wt % of thetotal composition. Some components, such as fillers or diluents, canconstitute up to 90 wt % of the total composition, as is well known inthe formulation art. Such additives include cryoprotective agents forpreventing reprecipitation, surface active, wetting or emulsifyingagents (e.g., lecithin, polysorbate-80, Tween® 80, Pluronic 60,polyoxyethylene stearate), preservatives (e.g.,ethyl-p-hydroxybenzoate), microbial preservatives (e.g., benzyl alcohol,phenol, m-cresol, chlorobutanol, sorbic acid, thimerosal and paraben),agents for adjusting pH or buffering agents (e.g., acids, bases, sodiumacetate, sorbitan monolaurate), agents for adjusting osmolarity (e.g.,glycerin), thickeners (e.g., aluminum monostearate, stearic acid, cetylalcohol, stearyl alcohol, guar gum, methyl cellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, tristearin, cetyl wax esters, polyethyleneglycol), colorants, dyes, flow aids, non-volatile silicones (e.g.,cyclomethicone), clays (e.g., bentonites), adhesives, bulking agents,flavorings, sweeteners, adsorbents, fillers (e.g., sugars such aslactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol, cellulose, or calciumphosphate), diluents (e.g., water, saline, electrolyte solutions),binders (e.g., starches such as maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch,or potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,polyvinylpyrrolidone, sugars, polymers, acacia), disintegrating agents(e.g., starches such as maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potatostarch, or carboxymethyl starch, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone,agar, alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate,croscarmellose sodium or crospovidone), lubricants (e.g., silica, talc,stearic acid or salts thereof such as magnesium stearate, orpolyethylene glycol), coating agents (e.g., concentrated sugar solutionsincluding gum arabic, talc, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel,polyethylene glycol, or titanium dioxide), and antioxidants (e.g.,sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfate, sodium sulfite, dextrose,phenols, and thiophenols).

Dosage from administration by these routes may be continuous orintermittent, depending, for example, upon the patient's physiologicalcondition, whether the purpose of the administration is therapeutic orprophylactic, and other factors known to and assessable by a skilledpractitioner.

Those with ordinary skill in administering anesthetics can readilydetermine dosage and regimens for the administration of thepharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure or titrating to aneffective dosage for use in treating insomnia, mood disorders,convulsive disorders, anxiety or symptoms of ethanol withdrawal. It isunderstood that the dosage of the compounds will be dependent upon theage, sex, health, and weight of the recipient, kind of concurrenttreatment, if any, frequency of treatment, and the nature of the effectdesired. For any mode of administration, the actual amount of compounddelivered, as well as the dosing schedule necessary to achieve theadvantageous effects described herein, will also depend, in part, onsuch factors as the bioavailability of the compound, the disorder beingtreated, the desired therapeutic dose, and other factors that will beapparent to those of skill in the art. The dose administered to ananimal, particularly a human, in the context of the present disclosureshould be sufficient to affect the desired therapeutic response in theanimal over a reasonable period of time. Preferably, an effective amountof the compound, whether administered orally or by another route, is anyamount that would result in a desired therapeutic response whenadministered by that route. The dosage may vary depending on the dosingschedule, which can be adjusted as necessary to achieve the desiredtherapeutic effect. The most preferred dosage will be tailored to theindividual subject, as is understood and determinable by one of ordinaryskill in the art without undue experimentation.

In one embodiment, solutions for oral administration are prepared bydissolving the compound in any pharmaceutically acceptable solventcapable of dissolving a compound (e.g., ethanol or methylene chloride)to form a solution. An appropriate volume of a carrier which is asolution, such as beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin, is added to thesolution while stirring to form a pharmaceutically acceptable solutionfor oral administration to a patient. If desired, such solutions can beformulated to contain a minimal amount of, or to be free of, ethanol,which is known in the art to cause adverse physiological effects whenadministered at certain concentrations in oral formulations.

In another embodiment, powders or tablets for oral administration areprepared by dissolving a compound in any pharmaceutically acceptablesolvent capable of dissolving the compound (e.g., ethanol or methylenechloride) to form a solution. The solvent can optionally be capable ofevaporating when the solution is dried under vacuum. An additionalcarrier can be added to the solution prior to drying, such asbeta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin. The resulting solution is dried undervacuum to form a glass. The glass is then mixed with a binder to form apowder. The powder can be mixed with fillers or other conventionaltabletting agents and processed to form a tablet for oral administrationto a patient. The powder can also be added to any liquid carrier asdescribed above to form a solution, emulsion, suspension or the like fororal administration.

Emulsions for parenteral administration can be prepared by dissolving acompound in any pharmaceutically acceptable solvent capable ofdissolving the compound (e.g., ethanol or methylene chloride) to form asolution. An appropriate volume of a carrier which is an emulsion, suchas Liposyn® II or Liposyn® III emulsions, is added to the solution whilestirring to form a pharmaceutically acceptable emulsion for parenteraladministration to a patient.

Solutions for parenteral administration can be prepared by dissolving acompound in any pharmaceutically acceptable solvent capable ofdissolving the compound (e.g., ethanol or methylene chloride) to form asolution. An appropriate volume of a carrier which is a solution, suchas beta-hydroxypropyl-cyclodextrin, is added to the solution whilestirring to form a pharmaceutically acceptable solution for parenteraladministration to a patient.

If desired, the emulsions or solutions described above for oral orparenteral administration can be packaged in IV bags, vials or otherconventional containers in concentrated form and diluted with anypharmaceutically acceptable liquid, such as saline, to form anacceptable concentration prior to use as is known in the art.

Still further encompassed by the invention are kits (e.g.,pharmaceutical packs). The kits provided may comprise a compound asdescribed herein and a container (e.g., a vial, ampule, bottle, syringe,and/or dispenser package, or other suitable container). In someembodiments, provided kits may optionally further include a secondcontainer comprising a pharmaceutical carrier for dilution or suspensionof the pharmaceutical composition or compound. In some embodiments, thepharmaceutical composition or compound provided in the container and thesecond container are combined to form one unit dosage form.

Optionally, instructions for use are additionally provided in such kitsof the invention. Such instructions may provide, generally, for example,instructions for dosage and administration. In other embodiments,instructions may further provide additional detail relating tospecialized instructions for particular containers and/or systems foradministration. Still further, instructions may provide specializedinstructions for use in conjunction and/or in combination with anadditional therapeutic agent.

4. Definitions

The term “steroid” as used herein describes an organic compoundcontaining in its chemical nucleus the cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene ringsystem.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers tothose salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment,suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animalswithout undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, andare commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts are well known in the art. For example, Berge et al.,describe pharmaceutically acceptable salts in detail in J.Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66, 1-19. Pharmaceutically acceptablesalts of the compounds of this invention include those derived fromsuitable inorganic and organic acids and bases. Examples ofpharmaceutically acceptable, nontoxic acid addition salts are salts ofan amino group formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid,hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid orwith organic acids such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid,tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid or malonic acid or by usingother methods used in the art such as ion exchange. Otherpharmaceutically acceptable salts include adipate, alginate, ascorbate,aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bisulfate, borate, butyrate,camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate, cyclopentanepropionate,digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate,glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate, hemisulfate, heptanoate,hexanoate, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate,lactate, laurate, lauryl sulfate, malate, maleate, malonate,methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate,oxalate, palmitate, pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate,phosphate, picrate, pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate,tartrate, thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts,and the like. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal,alkaline earth metal, ammonium and N⁺(C₁₋₄alkyl)₄ salts. Representativealkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium, lithium, potassium,calcium, magnesium, and the like. Further pharmaceutically acceptablesalts include, when appropriate, nontoxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium,and amine cations formed using counterions such as halide, hydroxide,carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, lower alkyl sulfonate and arylsulfonate.

The term “prodrug” as used herein describes a pharmacological substancethat is administered in a less active or inactive form. Afteradministration, a prodrug is metabolized in vivo e.g., via hydrolysis,oxidation, or reaction under biological conditions (in vitro or invivo), to provide an active metabolite. See, e.g., Wu, Pharmaceuticals(2009) 2:77-81. In certain embodiments, a prodrug has improved physicaland/or delivery properties over the parent compound. Prodrugs aretypically designed to enhance pharmaceutically and/orpharmacokinetically based properties associated with the parentcompound. The advantage of a prodrug can lie in its physical properties,such as enhanced water solubility for parenteral administration atphysiological pH compared to the parent compound, or it enhancesabsorption from the digestive tract or the skin, or it may enhance drugstability for long-term storage.

As used herein, a “subject” to which administration is contemplatedincludes, but is not limited to, mammals, e.g., humans (i.e., a male orfemale of any age group, e.g., a pediatric subject (e.g., child,adolescent) or adult subject (e.g., young adult, middle-aged adult orsenior adult)), other primates (e.g., cynomolgus monkeys, rhesusmonkeys) and commercially relevant mammals such as cattle, pigs, horses,sheep, goats, cats, and/or dogs. In any aspect and/or embodiment of theinvention, the subject is a human.

As used herein, a “therapeutically effective amount” “an amountsufficient” or “sufficient amount” of a compound means the level, amountor concentration of the compound required for a desired biologicalresponse, e.g., analgesia.

The term “saturated” as used herein describes the state in which allavailable valence bonds of an atom (especially carbon) are attached toother atoms.

The term “unsaturated” as used herein describes the state in which notall available valence bonds along the alkyl chain are satisfied; in suchcompounds the extra bonds usually form double or triple bonds (chieflywith carbon).

When a range of values is listed, it is intended to encompass each valueand sub-range within the range. For example “C₁₋₄ alkyl” is intended toencompass, C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, C₁₋₃, C₁₋₂, C₂₋₄, C₂₋₃ and C₃₋₄ alkyl, while“C₁₋₂₂ alkyl” is intended to encompass, for example, C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄,etc., as well as C₁₋₂₁, C₁₋₂₀, C₁₋₁₅, C₁₋₁₀, C₂₋₂₀, C₂₋₁₅, C₂₋₁₀, C₃₋₁₅,C₃₋₁₀, etc. alkyl.

As used herein, “alkyl” refers to a radical of a straight-chain orbranched saturated hydrocarbon group having from, in some embodiments, 1to 4 carbon atoms (“C₁ alkyl”), and in other embodiments 1 to 22 carbonatoms (“C₁₋₂₂ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1 to 3carbon atoms (“C₁₋₃ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has 1to 2 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl grouphas 1 carbon atom (“C₁ alkyl”). In some embodiments, an alkyl group has2 to 4 carbon atom (“C₂₋₄ alkyl”). In yet other embodiments, an alkylgroup has 1 to 21 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₂₁ alkyl”), 1 to 20 carbon atoms(“C₁₋₂₀ alkyl”), 1 to 15 carbon atoms (“C₁₋₁₅ alkyl”), 1 to 10 carbonatoms (“C₁₋₁₀ alkyl”), etc. Examples of such alkyl groups include methyl(C₁), ethyl (C₂), n-propyl (C₃), isopropyl (C₃), n-butyl (C₄),tert-butyl (C₄), sec-butyl (C₄), iso-butyl (C₄), pentyl (C₅), and thelike.

As used herein, “alkenyl” or “alkene” refers to a radical of astraight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from, in someembodiments, 2 to 4 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₄ alkenyl”), and in otherembodiments 2 to 22 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₂₂ alkenyl”), and one or morecarbon-carbon double bonds. In some embodiments, an alkenyl group has 2to 3 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₃ alkenyl”). In some embodiments, an alkenylgroup has 2 carbon atoms (“C₂ alkenyl”). In yet other embodiments, analkenyl group has 2 to 21 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₂₁ alkenyl”), 2 to 20 carbonatoms (“C₂₋₂₀ alkenyl”), 2 to 15 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₁₅ alkenyl”), 2 to 10carbon atoms (“C₂₋₁₀ alkyl”), etc. The one or more carbon-carbon doublebonds can be internal (such as in 2-butenyl) or terminal (such as in1-butenyl). Examples of such alkenyl groups include ethenyl (C₂),1-propenyl (C₃), 2-propenyl (C₃), 1-butenyl (C₄), 2-butenyl (C₄),butadienyl (C₄), 1-pentenyl (C₅), 2-pentenyl (C₅), and the like.

As used herein, “alkynyl” or “alkyne” refers to a radical of astraight-chain or branched hydrocarbon group having from 2 to 4 carbonatoms and one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds (“C₂₋₁₀ alkynyl”). Insome embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 to 3 carbon atoms (“C₂₋₃alkynyl”). In some embodiments, an alkynyl group has 2 carbon atoms (“C₂alkynyl”). The one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds can be internal(such as in 2-butynyl) or terminal (such as in 1-butynyl). Examples ofC₂₋₄ alkynyl groups include, without limitation, ethynyl (C₂),1-propynyl (C₃), 2-propynyl (C₃), 1-butynyl (C₄), 2-butynyl (C₄), andthe like.

As used herein, “aryl” refers to a radical of a monocyclic or polycyclic(e.g., bicyclic or tricyclic) 4n+2 aromatic ring system (e.g., having 6,10, or 14 electrons shared in a cyclic array) having 6-14 ring carbonatoms and zero heteroatoms provided in the aromatic ring system (“C₆₋₁₄aryl”). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 6 ring carbon atoms (“C₆aryl”; e.g., phenyl). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 10 ringcarbon atoms (“C₁₀ aryl”; e.g., naphthyl such as 1-naphthyl and2-naphthyl). In some embodiments, an aryl group has 14 ring carbon atoms(“C₁₄ aryl”; e.g., anthracyl).

As used herein, “alkoxy” refers to an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group,as defined herein, attached to an oxygen radical.

Alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and aryl groups, as defined herein, aresubstituted or unsubstituted, also referred to herein as “optionallysubstituted”. In general, the term “substituted”, whether preceded bythe term “optionally” or not, means that at least one hydrogen presenton a group (e.g., a carbon or nitrogen atom) is replaced with apermissible substituent, e.g., a substituent which upon substitutionresults in a stable compound, e.g., a compound which does notspontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement,cyclization, elimination, or other reaction. Unless otherwise indicated,a “substituted” group has a substituent at one or more substitutablepositions of the group, and when more than one position in any givenstructure is substituted, the substituent is either the same ordifferent at each position. The term “substituted” is contemplated toinclude substitution with all permissible substituents of organiccompounds, any of the substituents described herein that result in theformation of a stable compound. The present invention contemplates anyand all such combinations in order to arrive at a stable compound. Forpurposes of this invention, heteroatoms such as nitrogen may havehydrogen substituents and/or any suitable substituent as describedherein which satisfy the valencies of the heteroatoms and results in theformation of a stable moiety.

Exemplary substituents include groups that contain a heteroatom (such asnitrogen, oxygen, silicon, phosphorous, boron, sulfur, or a halogenatom), halogen (e.g., chlorine, bromine, fluorine, or iodine), aheterocycle, alkoxy, alkenoxy, alkynoxy, aryloxy, hydroxy, protectedhydroxy, keto, acyl, acyloxy, nitro, amino, amido, nitro, cyano, thiol,ketals, acetals, esters and ethers.

Examples

The following Examples describe or illustrate various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Other embodiments within the scope of the appendedclaims will be apparent to a skilled artisan considering thespecification or practice of the disclosure as described herein. It isintended that the specification, together with the Examples, beconsidered exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of the disclosurebeing indicated by the claims, which follow the Example.

Compound Chemistry

In accordance with the following methods and Examples, the followingcompounds were prepared:

Compounds 1-2 were prepared using methods known in the art (see Hauser,et al., “Steroids. CCV. Fragmentations and intramolecular abstractionsof tertiary hydrogen atoms by primary oxy radicals with fixed reactioncenters,” Helv. Chim. Acta, Vol. 47, pages 1961-1979 (1964)), and asfurther detailed herein below.

(5α)-19-Methoxyandrostane-3,17-dione, cyclic bis(1,2-ethanediyl acetal)

A mixture of the known 19-hydroxyandrostane-3,17-dione, cyclicbis(1,2-ethanediyl) acetal (430 mg, 1.1 mmol), NaH (200 mg, 5 mmol) andTHF (10 mL) was heated at reflux for 2 h under N₂. The reaction mixturewas cooled to room temperature, and methyl iodide (2 mL, 32 mmol) wasadded and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 13 h. Thereaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and excess NaH was carefullyquenched by adding MeOH (2 mL). Water (100 mL) was added and the productwas extracted into EtOAc (80 mL×3). The combined organic extracts werewashed with brine, dried and concentrated to give a colorless liquid.The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography (silicagel eluted with 15-20% EtOAc in hexanes) to give the product as acolorless liquid (440 mg, 99%): IR λ_(max) 2923, 1457, 1378, 1306, 1210cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR δ 3.89 (s, 4H), 3.87-3.82 (m, 4H), 3.47 (d, J=10.0 Hz),3.39 (d, J=9.9 Hz), 3.25 (s, 3H), 0.82 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR δ 119.3, 109.2,71.0, 65.0, 64.5, 64.0, 59.0, 54.0, 50.4, 46.0, 43.8, 38.9, 38.4, 36.2,34.1, 31.5, 31.1, 31.0 (2×C), 29.6, 28.1, 22.6, 21.7, 14.4. Anal. Calcdfor: C₂₄H₃₈O₅: C, 70.90%; H, 9.42%. Found: C, 71.17%; H, 9.53%.

(5α)-19-Methoxyandrostane-3,17-dione

A mixture of the 19-methoxy bisketal (400 mg, 0.98 mmol), PTSA (100 mg),acetone (8 mL) and water (0.5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 14h. The reaction was neutralized with aqueous NaHCO₃ and the acetone wasremoved under reduced pressure. Water (80 mL) was added and the productwas extracted into EtOAc (60 mL×3). The combined EtOAc extracts weredried and concentrated to give a white solid which was purified by flashcolumn chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20-30% EtOAc in hexanes)to yield the 19-methoxy diketone product (230 mg, 73%): mp 94-96° C.; IRλmax 2918, 1738, 1712, 1452, 1407, 1373, 1270, 1248, 1220, 1202 cm⁻¹; ¹HNMR δ 3.60 (d, 1H, J=11.0 Hz), 3.57 (d, 1H, J=11.0 Hz), 3.26 (s, 3H),0.82 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR δ 220.5, 211.7, 71.7, 59.0, 53.9, 51.3, 47.6,46.1, 44.7, 38.9, 38.5, 35.6, 35.3, 34.2, 31.5, 30.3, 28.1, 21.5, 21.3,13.7. HRMS Calcd for C₂₀H₃₀O₃: 318.2195. Found: 318.2180.

(3α,5α)-3-Hydroxy-19-methoxyandrostan-17-one

A 1 M K-Selectride 0 solution in THF (2 mL, 2 mmol, 3 eq) was added to acold solution (−78° C.) of the 19-methoxy diketone (210 mg, 0.66 mmol)in THF (5 mL) and the reaction was stirred at −78° C. for 1.5 h. Thereaction was quenched by adding a few drops of acetone and then allowedto warm to room temperature. 3 N aqueous NaOH (10 mL) followed by 30%aqueous H₂O₂ (10 mL) was added and the reaction was stirred at roomtemperature for 1.5 h. The product was extracted into EtOAc (3×60 mL)and the combined EtOAc extracts were washed with brine, dried, andconcentrated to give an off-white solid which was purified by flashcolumn chromatography (silica gel eluted with 20-40% EtOAc in hexanes).The product (142 mg, 67%) had: mp 172-174° C.; IR λmax 3436, 2921, 1738,1453, 1406, 1372, 1248, 1203 cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR δ 4.05 (b s, 1H), 3.48 (d, 1H,J=9.9 Hz), 3.38 (d, J=10.2 Hz), 3.25 (s, 3H), 2.39 (1H, dd, J=19.3, 8.8Hz), 0.84 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR δ 221.5, 71.1, 66.1, 59.0, 54.6, 51.7, 47.8,39.6, 39.2, 36.0, 35.7, 35.5, 31.8, 30.7, 29.2, 27.9, 27.1, 21.6, 21.1,13.8. Anal. Calcd for C₂₀H₃₂O₃: C, 74.96%; H, 10.06%. Found: C, 74.91%;H, 9.86%.

[3α,5α,17(20)Z]-19-methoxypregn-17(20)-ene-21-nitrile (Compound 1) and[3α,5α,17(20)E]-19-methoxypregn-17(20)-ene-21-nitrile (Compound 2)

Diethyl(cyanomethyl)phosphonate (0.83 mL, 5.13 mmol) was added dropwiseto a suspension of NaH (60% dispersion in oil, 200 mg, 5 mmol) in dryTHF (5 mL) at 0° C. under N₂. After disappearance of the solid NaH,(3α,5α)-3-Hydroxy-19-methoxyandrostan-17-one (100 mg, 0.31 mmol) in dryTHF (10 mL) was added. The reaction was allowed to warm to roomtemperature and stirred for another 15 h at room temperature. Thereaction was quenched with aqueous NaHCO₃ and the product extracted intoEtOAc. The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with brine and dried.After solvent evaporation, the residue was purified by columnchromatography to give an inseparable mixture of the Compound 1 andCompound 2 stereoisomers (90 mg, 85%).

The unseparated Compound 1 and Compound 2 stereoisomers (60 mg, 0.17mmol) were converted to their corresponding 3-acetate derivatives (66mg, 100%) using standard acetylation conditions (AcOAc, Et₃N, 4-DMAP inCH₂Cl₂). The acetate derivatives were separated by preparative TLC (3plates), eluting with CHCl₃. The separated stereoisomers were visualizedusing iodine vapors. Elution of the separated products from the TLCplate yielded pure 3-acetate derivative of Compound 1 (25 mg) and pure3-acetate derivative of Compound 2 (20 mg) and some mixture of theunseparated 3-acetates (10 mg).

[3α,5α,17(20)Z]-19-methoxypregn-17(20)-ene-21-nitrile (Compound 1)

The 3-acetate derivative of the pure Compound 1 product (27 mg) wassubjected to transesterification with MeOH using dry HCl/MeOH to obtainpure Compound 1 (22 mg, 92%): mp 166-168° C.; [α]²⁰ _(D)+36.7 (CHCl₃, c0.08); IR λmax 3436, 2920, 2216, 1448, 1375, 1270 cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR δ 5.09(t, 1H, J=1.9 Hz), 4.10 (b s, 1H), 3.50 (d, 1H, J=10.2 Hz), 3.42 (d, 1H,J=10.2 Hz), 3.30 (s, 3H), 0.97 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR δ 179.5, 116.7, 87.7,71.2, 66.4, 59.1, 55.4, 54.3, 46.9, 39.6, 39.2, 36.1, 35.6, 35.1, 32.5,31.7, 29.5, 28.1, 27.2, 23.7, 21.8, 17.0. Anal. Calcd for C₂₂H₃₃NO₂: C,76.92%; H, 9.68%; N, 4.08%. Found: C, 76.78%; H, 9.47%; N; 4.06.

[3α,5α,17(20)E]-19-methoxypregn-17(20)-ene-21-nitrile (Compound 2)

The 3-acetate derivative of the pure Compound 2 (20 mg, top spot) wassubjected to transesterification with MeOH using dry HCl/MeOH to obtainpure Compound 2 (17 mg, 96%): mp 185-188° C.; [α]²⁰ _(D)−16.4 (CHCl₃, c0.15); IR λmax 3401, 2919, 2216, 1636, 1448, 1373 cm⁻¹; ¹H NMR δ 4.99(t, 1H, J=2.5 Hz), 4.10 (b s, 1H), 3.51 (d, 1H J=9.9 Hz), 3.42 (d, 1H,J=9.9 Hz), 3.30 (s, 3H), 2.80-2.50 (m, 2H), 0.85 (s, 3H); ¹³C NMR δ181.2, 117.5, 71.1, 66.3, 59.1, 54.4, 54.2, 46.3, 39.7, 39.2, 36.1,35.7, 35.01, 31.7, 30.2, 29.4, 28.0, 27.1, 23.7, 21.7, 18.1. Anal. Calcdfor C₂₂H₃₃NO₂: C, 76.92%; H, 9.68%; N, 4.08%. Found: C, 76.74%; H,9.73%; N, 3.96.

[³⁵S]-TBPS Displacement

The IC₅₀ values for the compounds of Scheme 1 (i.e., Compounds 1 and 2)as non-competitive displacers of [³⁵S]-TBPS from the picrotoxin bindingsite on GABA_(A) receptors are reported in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Inhibition of [³⁵S]-TBPS Binding by Compounds 1 and 2 CompoundIC₅₀ (nM) n_(Hill) 1 42 ± 4  1.21 ± 0.11 2 657 ± 114 0.91 ± 0.11

The displacement of bound [³⁵S]-TBPS from GABA_(A) receptors by Compound1 are illustrated in FIG. 1, as well.

Results presented are from duplicate experiments performed intriplicate. Error limits are calculated as standard error of the mean.Methods used are known in the art (see, e.g., E. Stastna, et al.,Neurosteroid Analogues. 16. A New Explanation for the Lack of AnestheticEffects in Δ ¹⁶ Alphaxalone and Identification of a Δ ¹⁷⁽²⁰⁾ Analoguewith Potent Anesthetic Activity, J. Med. Chem., 54(11), pp. 3926-34(2011)).

Electrophysiology Results

The compounds of the present disclosure were evaluated for the abilityto potentiate chloride currents mediated by 2 μM GABA at rat α₁β₂γ_(2L)type GABA_(A) receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and theresults are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Modulation of Rat α₁β₂γ_(2L) GABA_(A) Receptor Function byCompounds 1 and 2 oocyte electrophysiology^(a) (gating) Compound 0.1 μM1 μM 10 μM 10 μM 1 2.88 ± 0.90 15.27 ± 2.58 45.80 ± 15.79 0.19 ± 0.08 20.69 ± 0.11  1.26 ± 0.22 2.97 ± 0.33 0.31 ± 0.25 ^(a)The GABAconcentration used for the control response was 2 μM. Each compound wasevaluated on at least four different oocytes at the concentrationsindicated, and the results reported are the ratio of currents measuredin the presence/absence of added compound. Gating represents directcurrent gated by 10 μM compound in the absence of GABA, and this currentis reported as the ratio of compound only current/2 μM GABA current.Error limits are calculated as standard error of the mean (N ≧ 4).Methods used are known in the art (see, e.g., E. Stastna, et al.,Neurosteroid Analogues. 16. A New Explanation for the Lack of AnestheticEffects in Δ ¹⁶ -Alphaxalone and Identification of a Δ ¹⁷⁽²⁰⁾ Analoguewith Potent Anesthetic Activity, J. Med. Chem., 54(11), pp. 3926-34(2011)).

The potentiation of 2 μM GABA-mediated chloride currents at ratα1β2γ2-type GABA_(A) receptors expressed in frog oocytes by differentconcentrations of Compound 1, is illustrated by the curves in FIG. 2, aswell.

Tadpole Loss of Righting and Swimming

Table 3 discloses the anesthetic effects of the compounds of the presentdisclosure. In particular, the anesthetic effect of the compounds of thepresent disclosure on Loss of Righting Reflex (LRR) and Loss of SwimmingReflex (LSR).

TABLE 3 Effects of Compounds 1 and 2^(a) Tadpole Tadpole LRR Tadpole LRRTadpole LSR LSR Compound^(a) EC₅₀ (μM) n_(Hill) EC₅₀ (μM) n_(Hill) 10.159 ± 0.025 −1.32 ± 0.23 0.970 ± 0.065 −20.0 ± 0.43 2 2.78 ± 0.56−1.97 ± 0.65 ~10 μM — ^(a)Methods used are known in the art (see, e.g.,E. Stastna, et al., Neurosteroid Analogues. 16. A New Explanation forthe Lack of Anesthetic Effects in Δ ¹⁶ -Alphaxalone and Identificationof a Δ ¹⁷⁽²⁰⁾ Analogue with Potent Anesthetic Activity, J. Med. Chem.,54(11), pp. 3926-34 (2011)). Error limits are calculated as standarderror of the mean (N = 10 or more animals at each of five or moredifferent concentrations).

A quantal dose-response curve for loss of righting reflect (LRR) andloss of swimming reflex (LSR) caused by Compound 1 in tadpoles, isillustrated in FIG. 3, as well.

General Methods

The compounds discussed in the present disclosure were produced asdiscussed elsewhere throughout this disclosure and by the followingmethods.

Solvents were either used as purchased or dried and purified by standardmethodology. Extraction solvents were dried with anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andafter filtration, removed on a rotary evaporator. Flash chromatographywas performed using silica gel (32-63 μm) purchased from ScientificAdsorbents (Atlanta, Ga.). Melting points were determined on a Koflermicro hot stage and are uncorrected. FT-IR spectra were recorded asfilms on a NaCl plate. NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl₃ at ambienttemperature at 300 MHz (¹H) or 74 MHz (¹³C). Purity was determined byTLC on 250 μm thick Uniplates™ from Analtech (Newark, Del.). All purecompounds (purity>95%) gave a single spot on TLC. Elemental analyseswere performed by M-H-W Laboratories (Phoenix, Ariz.).

EQUIVALENTS AND SCOPE

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several advantages of thedisclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained. Asvarious changes could be made in the above processes and compositeswithout departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the variousversions, embodiment(s) or aspects thereof, the articles “a”, “an”,“the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of theelements. It is also noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”,“having” or “containing” are intended to be open and permits theinclusion of additional elements or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of Formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: R₁ is H; R₂ is═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) is selected from H, optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, with the proviso that whenR₂ is ═O, R₈ is not present; R₃ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substitutedC₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl; R₄ is independentlyselected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substitutedC₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₆ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R₇ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy,or an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring; R₈, when present, is H oroptionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and, - - - denotes an optional,additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ orC₅-C₆, with the proviso that when present, the C₅—H substituent is notpresent.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein one or both of R₆ or R₇,when present and other than H, are in the beta configuration.
 3. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein the R₃ group is selected from the groupconsisting of H, methyl, and trifluoromethyl.
 4. The compound of claim1, wherein R₇ is selected from the group consisting of H, methoxy,ethoxy, and an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring.
 5. The compoundof claim 1, wherein R₅ is substituted methyl.
 6. The compound of claim1, wherein R₆ is H.
 7. The compound of claim 1, wherein R₂ is ═O,methoxy or H.
 8. The compound of claim 1, wherein R₄ is methyl.
 9. Acompound of Formula (II):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: R₁ is H; R₂ is═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) is selected from H, optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, with the proviso that whenR₂ is ═O, R₈ is not present; R_(x) is ═O or OR_(d), where R, is H orC(O)R_(e), where R_(e) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₂ alkyl oroptionally substituted C₂-C₂₂ alkenyl, with the proviso that when R_(x)is OH, it is in the beta configuration (and when R_(x) is R_(d), withR_(d) being C(O)R_(e), then it is preferably in the beta configuration);R₄ is independently selected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R₅ issubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, oroptionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₆ is H, optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R₇ is H, optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring;R₈, when present, is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and, - - -denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bondbetween C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆, with the proviso that when present, the C₅—Hsubstituent is not present.
 10. The compound of claim 9, wherein R_(x)is OH in the beta configuration.
 11. The compound of claim 9, whereinR_(x) is ═O.
 12. The compound of claim 9, wherein R₇ is selected fromthe group consisting of H, methoxy, ethoxy, and an optionallysubstituted morpholinyl ring.
 13. The compound of claim 9, wherein R₅ issubstituted methyl.
 14. The compound of claim 9, wherein R₆ is H. 15.The compound of claim 9, wherein R₂ is ═O, methoxy or H.
 16. Thecompound of claim 9, wherein R₄ is methyl.
 17. The compound of claim 9,wherein a carbon-carbon double bond is present between the C₄ and C₅carbon atoms.
 18. The compound of claim 9, wherein a carbon-carbondouble bond is present between the C₅ and C₆ carbon atoms.
 19. A methodfor treating disorders related to GABA function in a subject in needthereof, said method comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the groupconsisting of Formula (I) and Formula (II), wherein Formula (I) is:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: R₁ is H; R₂ is═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) is selected from H, optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, with the proviso that whenR₂ is ═O, R₈ is not present; R₃ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, optionally substitutedC₂-C₄ alkynyl, or optionally substituted aryl; R₄ is independentlyselected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R₅ is substituted C₁-C₄alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, or optionally substitutedC₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₆ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R₇ is H, optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy,or an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring; R₈, when present, is H oroptionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and, - - - denotes an optional,additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bond between C₄-C₅ orC₅-C₆, with the proviso that when present, the C₅—H substituent is notpresent; and wherein Formula (II) is:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: R₁ is H; R₂ is═O, H, or OR_(a), where R_(a) is selected from H, optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted aryl, with the proviso that whenR₂ is ═O, R₈ is not present; R_(x) is ═O or OR_(d), where R, is H orC(O)R_(e), where R_(e) is optionally substituted C₁-C₂₂ alkyl oroptionally substituted C₂-C₂₂ alkenyl, with the proviso that when R_(x)is OH, it is in the beta configuration (and when R_(x) is R_(d), withR_(d) being C(O)R_(e), then it is preferably in the beta configuration);R₄ is independently selected from H and unsubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; R₅ issubstituted C₁-C₄ alkyl, optionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkenyl, oroptionally substituted C₂-C₄ alkynyl; R₆ is H, optionally substitutedC₁-C₄ alkyl, or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy; R₇ is H, optionallysubstituted C₁-C₄ alkoxy, or an optionally substituted morpholinyl ring;R₈, when present, is H or optionally substituted C₁-C₄ alkyl; and, - - -denotes an optional, additional C—C bond, resulting in either a C═C bondbetween C₄-C₅ or C₅-C₆, with the proviso that when present, the C₅—Hsubstituent is not present.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein thedisorder is selected from the group consisting of insomnia, mooddisorders, convulsive disorders, anxiety, and symptoms of ethanolwithdrawal.